Archives of Obesity and Metabolism (비만대사연구학술지)

The Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome, KAFM (대한가정의학회 비만대사증후군연구회)
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Understanding and Exploring Weight-Based Bias, Stigma, and Discrimination

비만에 대한 편견, 낙인, 차별 및 이에 대한 개선 방안

  • Kayoung Lee (Department of Family Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine)
  • 이가영 (인제대학교 의과대학 부산백병원 가정의학과)
  • Received : 2023.01.02
  • Accepted : 2023.03.07
  • Published : 2023.06.30
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Abstract

The importance of weight discrimination for people with obesity has been highlighted by research which has found that more than 40% of those living with obesity have experienced weight discrimination. Evidence suggests that weight bias among obese individuals puts their health at risk more than health issues caused by obesity itself. Although bias, stigma, and discrimination towards individuals living with obesity are factors that make it difficult for them to lose weight, weight bias and stigma among healthcare professionals are common, causing individuals living with obesity to avoid treatment and potentially exacerbating obesity-related health issues. The concept that one's own efforts matter contributes to stigma, discrimination, and bias. This issue will be more frequent among primary care providers treating individuals living with obesity; thus, it is important to acknowledge the issues of bias, stigma, and discrimination towards individuals living with obesity and to seek out solutions. In this review, I will discuss the concept of weight bias, stigma, and discrimination, the problems they cause, and seek solutions to weight prejudice, stigma, and discrimination.

Keywords

References

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